Book Review: Wanted Vampire: Bad Blood by Lisa Ryans

Book 2 in the Wanted: Vampire Series

Joel’s back.

Determined to return her sexy ex to his former vampire self, Tara Callister does what she has to do: She exposes three evil witches in order to enlist her coven’s help. Unfortunately for her, things don’t always work out as planned.

Targeted by her enemies, betrayed by her coven, she must figure out how to save herself and those she loves from the evil entwining itself in her life.But when her journey of self discovery leads her down an even darker path, will she stand behind her white witch promise or become one of them? And more importantly, are Joel’s feelings for her strong enough to survive it all?

Review:

I had the pleasure of being Lisa's critique partner and beta reader throughout the creation of Wanted Vampire: Bad Blood. The story begins with the immediate introduction of the story's villains, three witches called (ironically enough) The Misters, who have it in for heroine Tara Callister. As it happens, Tara is also a witch, and while the immediate cause of conflict between the coven members is not immediately apparent, it leads into a suspenseful and gripping climax. 

Tara's story starts out a difficult twist. Her vampire boyfriend, Joel, has been shapechanged into a wolf, and it is up to our enterprising heroine to save him from a life of fleas and Milk Bones. As the story progresses, a series of calamities strike, resulting in often hilarious situations for poor Tara, until it eventually becomes clear that she has been cursed by her rival witches. Add in an unplanned pregnancy and a vampy witch-bitch hot to trot for dear Joel, and the plot quickly becomes complicated and engrossing.

Bad Blood is the sequel to Wanted Vampire: Free Blood, and features

the return of familiar characters such as Tara's best friend, Alexis, Alexis' husband, Bradley, and vampire elder, Malik. Readers will enjoy being able to visit with old favorites while also exploring the romantic dynamic of Tara and her vampire boyfriend, Joel.

Tara is stubborn and independent, everything a heroine should be. She is also a powerful witch, capable of casting impressive spells and summoning frightening power. At times, she is headstrong and maybe too self-sufficient, but she learns from her mistakes as the story progresses. Joel is likeable and yummy, and it is hilarious how the author contrives to keep him shirtless for much of the story. He also has his flaws, including a moment of monumental male stupidity mid-story.

Tara and Joel are a great couple. Much of the emotional conflict between the hero and heroine arises from their failure to communicate, but it is a realistic failing true to real life. As they gradually overcome their differences and grow together, their love story is sigh-worthy and satisfying.

I'll confess to having a soft spot for secondary character, Malik. I love bad boys, and I enjoy his machinations a great deal. I happen to be privy to the knowledge that he's got his own story coming, and I'm very much looking forward to reading it. 

Bad Blood is well-written with fast pacing and entertaining dialogue. The author has excellent grammar and a keen eye for detail. Her second novel in the series is an Indie work, but every aspect of the book has a professional appearance—from the cover to the thorough editing. The sex scenes are steamy and emotionally griping. I recommend this story for any reader who enjoys witches and vampires—especially together!

Buy Links:

Amazon paperback & Amazon Kindle ebook

B&N Kindle ebook